Are Solar Panels Eco-Friendly?

The solar industry continues to grow from strong to stronger as more consumers see the potential of going off-grid or otherwise incorporating solar power into their lives. Not only are energy prices high and hard to manage but there is the uncertainty of where our energy comes from. How many fossil fuel reserves went into generating it, and what impact does that have on the planet?

Solar is always promoted as the greener and more user-friendly option, which is why there is an expected compound annual growth rate of 15.7% from now until 2030 in the global solar energy systems market size (1). However, critics and those trying to sell regular energy continue to highlight the negatives. 

We need to clear a few things up here. Are solar panels eco-friendly? If so, why are they a greener and more sustainable choice? Also, are there any negative environmental implications to worry about?

Are Solar Panels Eco Friendly? 

The short answer here is yes. Solar panels have their pros and cons, and we will go into some of the drawbacks later, but they are a much cleaner option that can help us protect the environment more easily. Residential solar panels can be a low-impact way to take advantage of a free energy source and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In turn, we can lower our carbon footprint. The more of us that get on board, the better the impact. 

There are many solar energy companies that cater to a variety of markets including residential work as well as solar panels for commercial businesses, recreational vehicles, boats, and more.

How Are Solar Panels Eco Friendly?

Let’s break down the benefits quickly to see how solar panels are a greener option. 

1. They make use of a renewable energy source rather than a finite fossil fuel.
2. They don’t produce emissions or contribute to a carbon footprint while on the roof.
3. They can reduce our reliance on grid-based energy and allow for smarter energy choices.
4. An effective system can work for up to 30 years, limiting the need for replacement products and unnecessary manufacture.

One of the most important selling points of solar panels is their lack of CO2 emissions compared to other options. There is a target for global emissions to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. As things stand, the output of solar, wind, and nuclear are well below the necessary grams of CO2 per Kwh to meet that. Nuclear and wind generate an average of 4g and solar is a little higher at 6g. When we see this next to other options on Carbon Brief’s bar chart, there is a massive jump (2). Gas is way up, close to 80g, while coal is nearly at 110g. This simply means that a switch from grid power to solar could make a massive difference. 

While this suggests that wind and nuclear may be better options, there are practical considerations there. Wind power requires turbines that are noisy, costly to make, and dangerous for migratory birds. Nuclear power has the risk of radiation and disasters from accidents at plants. Solar is less impactful and certainly easier to set up on an individual and residential level. 

The Environmental Drawbacks of Solar Panels 

We can’t talk about all the benefits without mentioning some of the concerns. A big issue is land use when working with solar on a wider scale. Solar farms need a lot of space for broad panels, which means taking over land that could have been rewilded. This isn’t a concern when adding a couple of panels to a roof, however. 

Also, wildlife has been known to thrive in the natural landscape beneath the panels. Panels provide shade and cover for animals and grazing livestock. Wildflowers can grow on managed fields and help pollinators. There is room to make solar farms more than just black sheets of cells. 

Others talk about the energy and water used in creating these panels in factories. But, this is true for any form of manufacture and can’t compare with the impact of fossil fuel energy plants. Water usage is unavoidable but can be regulated. Energy companies and solar panel manufacturers that avoid greenwashing and are transparent about their methods and intentions are always going to do well. 

How Is Solar Energy Sustainable? 

Another area where there are mixed views on the environmental credentials of solar panels is sustainability. There is a massive selling point here that arguably outweighs all the other issues. 

The key to a sustainable industry is a renewable source. This is easy with solar, wind, and tidal power where we can rely on natural resources with ease. Yes, the panels are less efficient when it is overcast, but it costs nothing environmentally to make the most of the sun when it appears. Energy suppliers reliant on gas, coal, and other non-renewable options may fight to seem greener by offsetting carbon and planting some trees, but they are still destroying the earth for something they cannot replace. 

The negative side of this sustainability argument is the amount of undesirable materials and waste involved in solar panel production. Panels require the very best metals and minerals to work, which means sourcing and using gallium, indium, selenium, arsenic, cadmium, and telluride. These can leach into the environment and cause issues. As for the waste products, there are around 44 million tons of solar panels in the US alone. Eventually, these will go into landfill as owners get replacements. 

Thankfully, there is an alternative option through recycling schemes. Recycling panels can make good use of the materials involved so far less goes to landfill, and we can make shiny new panels again. This will help improve the sustainability of solar panels further with the right investment. 

Should We Worry About The Environmental Impact Of Solar Panels? 

There is no perfect solution for energy generation that has zero impact on the environment, but solar energy is pretty close to it when compared to many other options. We have to handle the negative side of solar panel manufacturing and embrace recycling schemes to make solar even more attractive. 

From there, the low carbon footprint and effective use of sustainable energy make solar the best choice when trying to lower a carbon footprint. We can use solar to get away from fossil fuels, and it can be easy with the right panels and installation plans.